Foreign Minister Westerwelle on Abdullah Öcalan’s call for a cease-fire

“Abdullah Öcalan’s call for a cease-fire and a withdrawal of fighters is a big step towards more mutual trust. Concrete measures must now follow these announcements and the weapons must really be put aside.That would create space for political agreements to end confrontation and violence for good and to take into account the concerns of Turkey’s Kurdish citizens in a legitimate fashion within the framework of the Turkish state.We encourage the parties to pursue political talks and negotiations even when faced with resistance and to finally put an end to this long and bloody conflict.“

Peace and Security

Regional conflicts, fragile or collapsed states, armed conflicts, terrorism and organized crime – all have grave consequences for the people who suffer under them. They also threaten the security and stability of entire regions and peoples.